This is the one thing I regret not doing on my first day of work

Two years later, I'm still
learning some of their names.Julie
Zeveloff / BI

I'll always remember my first day at Business Insider.

It was a Thursday in late February of 2014. I walked briskly down
the snow-lined streets of New York to arrive at our former
Park Avenue headquarters on time. It was cold, and I was
nervous. But also quite excited.

I had read (and
written) so many articles about starting a new job, so I
was confident I knew exactly what to do that first day.

I said "Hi" to my new team; attended mandatory training
sessions; filled out some paperwork; enjoyed lunch with my boss;
learned where everything was; and smiled until my cheeks hurt.

But there's one important thing I didn't do that I'd
later regret: I didn't formally introduce myself to
everyone.

Of course I exchanged pleasantries and introduced myself to those
who sat near me and the people with whom I'd be working
closely, but I should have made a more valiant effort to get
to know everyone I came in contact with. Instead, I
just smiled and waved at the unfamiliar faces I passed on my way
to the restroom and in line at the water cooler. In some
cases, I even made small talk. But I didn't always extend
my hand and say my name.

I'm really not sure why. I like to think I have good
manners. Perhaps I'm a little bit shy? Maybe I had a lot on my
mind that day and simply forgot?

Whatever the reason, I wish I had done things differently.

When you don't introduce yourself to someone the first
(or second, or third) time you "meet" them, it gets harder
and more awkward to do it later. It can also get you into some
embarrassing situations and slow down your work flow.

But, perhaps most importantly, it may give your new
colleagues a poor first impression of you as someone who
isn't friendly or approachable — maybe even
self-absorbed — which can be seriously detrimental to
your career.

Two years later, I've learned most of my
coworkers' names, but I still wonder how many
meaningful relationships I missed out on by not introducing
myself to everyone that first day.